Prologue

I woke that morning to the sweet, elegant sounds of opera mixed with the heavy pounding of an electric guitar filling my ears. My hand reached over and popped the little button that turned off my alarm. It returned to its hiding spot under the covers, quick as lighting, and I grumbled about it being too cold in my room while I eased my way out of the bed regretfully. One toe reached out gently and touched the carpet before drawing back. I heard my sister get up and open her door under me, heading for her bathroom downstairs. Both feet went flying to the floor as I ran to my own bathroom, still mumbling about the temperature.

The first thing I did was look in the mirror. The same old reddish green eyes surrounded by deep purple and blue, sleeplessness marks and then by clear, white skin, greeted me with the same old coldness. The same old tight jaw and cheek bones and thin neck and shoulders stood before me on a body that was thin and ravaged by my previous 'attacks.' The same old sparkling copper hair curled around my chin and touched my pointed nose. I blew away my bangs with the same old dark red, thin lips, almost always pressed into a half smile.

My clothes were the usual black with various shades of other dark colors. My favorite shirt hugged my chest tight, making my breasts seem larger than they actually were. It had Maleficent, rather an idol of mine and my favorite Disney character of all time, in both her 'fairy' and dragon forms. It was a swirl of purple and black and green and I loved it to death. My skinny jeans were tight fitting and the darkest black, just the way I liked them. My usual combat boots clanged and clapped on the wooden stairs as I walked downstairs. I had my comfy black Nightwish hoodie over one arm and my motorcycle keys in the other.

I waltzed into the kitchen without a word to my ever buys parents and gathered my hot tea and egg sandwich. Waving my hand in farewell, I shoved the sandwich in my mouth and lugged on my backpack, taking my helmet and heading outside. My beautiful black motorcycle with glittering blue and purple stars sat parked in the drive way. I smiled a little to see it in the morning light. Into my pocket, wrapped in a paper towel, went my sandwich. On went my helmet. Onto the seat I went. And away I drove.

Graduation was coming up in a few days and I had little time to think about anything else. I thought about the ceremony and whether or not my parents would be there. I shook my head, turning the corner after waiting for a ridiculously long red light to change. Of course they would be there. They may not approve of my lifestyle, even the doctors said that couldn't be helped, but they still loved me and I loved them.

When I pulled up into the parking lot, I saw my cousin, Skyla, running towards me, arms outstretched. I quickly yanked my helmet off and locked my bike before returning the unnecessary hug. We saw each other every day yet we still acted like it was years between the hours. We usually got their at least an hour early so we could talk before any of the teachers showed. I felt her soft brown hair tickle my nose as she patted my back and pulled away.

"You're not looking well," she whispered under her breath. Her boyfriend, Darren, was coming up behind her and taking her shoulders gently. He smiled at me nicely.

I snorted, rather rudely but they were both used to it. I flipped back my unruly hair, took the egg sandwich out of my hoodie pocket and growled, "Yeah and what other obvious facts do I need to know today?" I bit eagerly into the tangy cheese and bacon. I sighed, content with my breakfast.

Neither Darren nor Skyla laughed. Not that I expected them too. But it would have been nice to at least see a smile. I scuffed down my sandwich with a few gulps of tea. The tea kinda burned my throat. I turned back to my bike, making absolutely sure that everything was secure before taking her arm and strolling into the building.

We chatted for what seemed like forever about graduation and college and all that jazz and before we knew it, the bell and rung and it was time for me to get to Orchestra, Sky to Choir, and Darren to AP Biology. We parted ways and promised to meet each other for lunch later that day.